Distorted Fate

Today is the day I die. I know I would give anything to live, but that isn't an option for me. For treason is unforgivable, especially treason that culminates in an attack on the Emperor and Empress. I keep my face blank as my lovely silver hair is cut. It's a struggle to not cry out for them to stop. Not that they would even if I begged. Tradition stated that hair be cut short before an execution, to make it easier and quicker for the guillotine's blade. With careless scissors, most of my hair, which had been so long it almost reached the floor, was gone. A guard collected me from the cell and led me to my fate. No matter what, I am determined to not cry or beg. I refuse to give him any satisfaction out of my death. The light was blinding. I had to blink and stumbled slightly as the guard led me to the guillotine. I stood before it, under the eyes of all the nobility and guards, as I waited with dread for the charges to be read. "This woman, formerly titled Queen Emelia la Catalina, has been deemed an unforgivable sinner. She has engaged in immoral activities out of envy and jealousy directed at our beloved empress. These culminated in treason by daring to attempt to assassinate the emperor." The head guard announced. "When did things begin to go so wrong? Why did I end up here?" I wondered quietly. "As consequences, she will be deposed from her position of queen." The head guard continued. "The Catalina family will be stripped of their titles, fortune, and land. These will be confiscated for the glory of the empire. As for the crime of attempted murder of the royal family, she will be executed." "My only mistake was loving you." I thought in despair. Before I had time to react, a guard grabbed my shoulder and pushed me down. The guillotine hovered above me and in my panic, I spotted them. Emperor Avarius and his Empress Maria. Maria leaned into Avarius's shoulder with her eyes closed, unable to watch. She always had been unable to acknowledge how cruel this world can be. But this is something she cannot deny happening. Avarius smirked at me as he grazed down at where I was held, awaiting my death. I could no longer remain emotionless. I cried and laughed hysterically as I thought about how much I had loved him. He was my only purpose in life and had thought of me as nothing but a bother. "Execute her!" the head guard gave the executioner the signal. The guillotine slid down with a rapid clatter and my last thoughts were that if I could live my life again, I wouldn't love Avarius. Never again. I was once Emelia la Catalina, the flower of the empire. I was told I was born to serve the Emperor, to be his one and only wife. That was once who I was. How did I end up here?